Friday, August 31, 2007

Got nothing for a picture, but I do want to say that the 81 is the logical number for Dale Earnhardt Jr. next year. His maternal grandfather, Robert Gee ran the 81, and the 8 in 1978. His driver, mostly Ferrel Harris, ran both the 81 and the 8. In his first race, Farrel made it all happen, when he finished 8th, driving the 81, at the 1978 Firecracker 400 at Daytona.Ferrel Harris finished 8th, driving the 81, and someone named Dale Earnhardt finished the same race 7th, driving a car for Will Cronkite. By they way, Dale Earnhardt finished 7th in a Ford.This was right before the man that was to start Earnhardt's career showed up, Rod Osterlund. In 1979, Earnhardt won rookie of the year, and in 1980, Dale Earnhardt won the Winston Cup for the first time, the only time in Cup history that a rookie has won ROTY and the Cup back to back.Dale Earnhardt went on to win 6 more championships and a total of 76 races with owner Richard Childress, tying the all time record of championships with Richard Petty.In 1978, a talented car builder named Robert Gee owned a Winston Cup team. He alternately used the numbers 81 and 8 for his drivers Ferrel Harris and Skip Manning. Gee never won a race as an owner, but he won a lot of races as a builder and fabricator. At one point in his career, he helped get an owner named Rick Hendrick his start in racing.Robert Gee was also the father of a daughter named Brenda. Brenda caught Dale Earnhardt's eye and they were married, and had two children, Kelley and Dale Jr. At the time, Dale was trying to race for a living and working side jobs including welding and changing tires for a tire shop. Money was scarce, and eventually Brenda Gee Earnhardt moved on with her two children, was divorced from Dale Earnhardt, and got remarried. A few years later, Brenda and her new husband suffered a devastating house fire, and she sent Kelley and Dale Jr. to live with their biological father, who was now a famous Nascar driver. By this time, Dale was remarried for the 3rd and final time to Teresa Houston, the daughter of a race car driver. Dale and Teresa took Dale Jr. and Kelley in, and raised them. Dale wasn't there a lot, because he was traveling to race tracks all the time. Teresa took care of the kids. Dale won races, and became one of the best drivers in Nascar history.Skip ahead a few years. Dale is gone. Dale Jr. is driving for the company that Dale and Teresa started. After a few years of disappointment, Dale Jr. leaves his father's company to drive for Rick Hendrick Racing, a company his maternal grandfather helped get off the ground. Dale wants to take the number that his father secured for him, the very number that his grandfather had raced with, away from his step-mother so he can keep the same number on the race track.Teresa resists, and eventually the deal falls through. Dale Jr. eventually thinks about what number would be the best, and thinking about the legacy of his mother's dad, will choose the 81. It has to be this way. It's destiny.Dale Jr. needs to make the 81 more famous than the 8 has ever been.It's destiny.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

So many things have been going on in my life right now, and I have taken a lot of it out on the one person that I love and care for more than anything. I know what I did was wrong, but I can't change the past. I can only making the present and future better so it doesn't happen again.

He has been nothing but a Prince to me. He has been my shoulder to cry on, to the one person that could support me through the good and bad times. Now, I have a feeling I have lost him forever. Boy would that suck!

We decided to become friends again, but I don't want to be just his friends. I love him more than that. I don't know what to do anymore and it scares me to death.

I haven't felt like this about anyone since Matt, and most know how sad of an ending that turned out to be. Hopefully things get better. Until then, I guess I'm putting on my fake smile and making it look like everything is okay.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

As expected, Dale Earnhardt Jr announced today that he will drive for Hendrick Motorsports beginning in 2008 for five years. Junior will be replacing Kyle Busch, who is leaving after contract negotiations didn't go his way. No one knows what car he will drive or who will be the sponsor, but we do know that this will divide the JR Nation. Many people belive that Dale Jr has "sold out" and is "working for the enemy".

Rick Hendrick and the drivers of HMS are proven winners. The Hendrick Motorsports organization has stepped up their testing with the COT, and have proven they can handle that new journey. Hendrick Motorsports has also won 10 out of 14 races. HMS has dominated Restrictor-Plate races, that once were dominated by Dale Jr and DEI. It will be great to see Junior leading at Talladega and Daytona again. I will love being able to go to races and see him take the Checkered Flag first. It is long overdue!

When announced in May that he would become a free agent, he said that he wanted to win races and championships. What better team is there, then Hendrick Motorsports.

During the press conference, all Dale Jr was doing was smiling. We haven't seen that smile in a while. He knew he had made the right decision, and his father is smiling down on him. Dale Jr even said that his father would be jealous of him. Rick is going to take care of Dale Jr and treat him just like a son. This is something great for both of them.

I just don't understand how people can say that love Dale Jr one moment and then hate him the next. I don't like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson and I promise you that I will NOT be rooting for them no matter what anyone says. I consider myself a huge Dale Earnhardt Jr fan and I will follow him no matter where he goes. The diehard fans will be the ones that support him through this, while the bandwagon fans will jump ship and latch on to someone new.

That's a shame because Earnhardt fans are some of the best. I just wish all the fans that didn't stick around for this next fun adventure a "Goodbye". I understand you have to do what is best for you. Just remember, Dale Jr did what was best for him. Let's all get ready for the 2008 season. It is going to be so much fun!

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

She has posed in Maxim magazine, complained about NASCAR, and now she is not getting penalized for an on track incident that happened Sunday during the AJ Foyt 255 in Milwaukee. What the hell? If you didn't watch the race, you missed an entertaining tiff between Dan Wheldon(driver of the #10 Target Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing) and Danica Patrick.During the race, Danica was trying to pass Dan and as she was passing Dan, the two cars touched and sending Danica into the grass. His car had no damage and he continued to race, while her car had a bent suspension.Following the race Danica tried to talk to Dan, who really didn't want to have any part of the conversation. As he was walking away, she grabbed his arm, started to scream at him, and pushed him slightly. When did pushing another competitor become right? Oh wait, I get it, Danica is a girl and it's okay for her to get a little into it.Wheldon was later interviewed about the confrontation, where he said "She's just feisty. ... She's messing with the wrong person if she wants to get feisty."Danica has some serious problems out there on the track. I understand she is feeling the heat from not winning a race, while everyone on her team has, including Tony Kanann who won the race that day. Mrs. Patrick is nothing but a diva and wants things done her way. She has yet to win a race, and the way she is acting, doesn't look like that will be happening anytime soon.I just wonder what will happen next in the Dan vs Danica battle. But I'll tell you this; Mr. Wheldon has my vote. Good luck Dan, looks like you'll need it! Danica is a piece of work.

Friday, June 1, 2007

How come life has to be so confusing? How come when it feels like you've won the jackpot, something happens and you are knocked down a couple of notches? I know the saying "Life isn't fair" but it's getting ridiculous.

I have a great family that would do anything for me if I was too ask. I am really greatful for that. Plus, I can't forget my friends. They mean the world to me. Whenever things get rough, I know that I can call on one or more of them to make it better.

Right now, I'm really torn. I am in love with one of the greatest guys in the world;however,at the moment he doesn't want to hurt me. He tells me he loves me and wants me in his life. Giving up and walking away from this situation would be so easy. I honestly don't know what to do. My best friend tells me to stick with it because it will get better, but I just feel like I'm on a roller coaster, and I'm ready to get off.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Do You:Have a girlfriend/boyfriend: I don't know what is up with us.Like someone: Yes but does it help the situation, NO!Want more piercings: No.

Last:Person talked to on the phone: Amy.Person you hung out with: Dad.IMed: Nikki.Movie watched: Laci Peterson movie on Lifetime.Last Movie you've seen in theatres: Spiderman 3.

Evers:Ever cried over a girl or boy: I've been doing that a lot lately.Ever been arrested: No.Ever had a friend die: Yes.Ever dated a cousin: No way!!!!! I'm not from Kentucky.Ever used a gun: Yes.Ever finished a puzzle: A few actually.Ever had surgery: 13 as a matter of fact.Ever hated someone: Yes.

Pick one:Blue or red: RedSpring or Fall: Both, please.

Random stuff:How old do you act: 22.Braces: When I was younger.Do you have any pets: YesNames: Lilo.

Level 1[] Shoplifted[] Been fired[x] Been in a fist fight

Level 2[] Snuck out[x] Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back[] Gone on a blind date

Level 3[X] Had a crush on a teacher[X] Skipped school[] Slept with a co-worker[x] Saw someone die

Level 4[] Been to Europe[] Been to Canada[X] Been to Mexico[x] Been on a plane

Level 5[x] Eaten Sushi[] Been surfing

Level 6[x] Been in an abusive relationship.[x] Taken painkillers[x] Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by[] Made a snow angel

Level 7[x] had a tea party[x] Flown a kite[x] Built a sand castle[x] Gone puddle jumping[x] Played dress up

Level 8[x] Jumped into a pile of leaves[] Gone sledding[] Cheated while playing a game[x] Been lonely[X] Fallen asleep at school

Level 9[X] Used a fake ID[x] Watched the sunset[] Felt an earthquake[] Touched a snake

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Focused but subdued, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. confidently strutted up to the podium one Thursday morning in May, 2007. He settled himself, strolled up to the mic, and took a deep breath.Then, he gathered the courage to utter the words that will change the scope of NASCAR forever.D.E.I. and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. are no more.Junior announced his departure from the only Cup organization he's ever known on Monday, leaving when his contract expires at the end of 2007. Claiming negotiations were "never even close," Junior said the time was now to end the process and for both parties to move on for 2008. Remaining cordial in the face of obvious disagreement, Junior thanked his stepmother Teresa Earnhardt, Max Siegel, and everyone at D.E.I. for negotiations that fell short after months at the bargaining table. Apparently, the majority ownership Junior sought in the company, something he felt like he deserved, was never given to him as an option."Obviously, I feel like his vision was for me to have a huge role," Junior claimed as to his father's intentions for D.E.I. "That was not in the cards (with these negotiations).""It may be in the cards 20 years down the road, but for what I want to accomplish in my driving career, this is the decision I made today."Certainly, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. loomed large over the discussions; while Junior was careful not to criticize anyone from the organization, he made it clear there were differences in opinion as to what he felt his father wanted this organization to go."If he was still here, we would all be in a different place right now," he said. "Without him here, it's a much more difficult task (to accomplish his goals with the company). (D.E.I.) may not be the exact thing my father wanted, but it could still be successful (without me there).""In this sport, you don't keep a secret very long," said Kelley Earnhardt Elledge. "I think our fans deserve an answer as to whether we will be at D.E.I. or not, and now we can focus on where we're going.""We've done contracts with D.E.I. before," added Junior. "This was ten times the work, the effort, the discussion, and the meetings, but we never even got close."Junior's press conference was preceded by a solemn meeting at D.E.I. where Junior announced his decision to leave the organization. Claiming he loves his team and there's still great camaraderie, he explained he doesn't expect everyone to understand, but will give maximum effort the rest of the season and expects his team to do the same.As for Teresa, "She wasn't surprised," said Junior. "It seems like she's focused on keeping the morale of the employees as high as possible. She's looking around the corner to do what she needs to do and prepare her company for 2008."Shortly after the press conference, Teresa herself released an official statement, which read as follows :"While we are very disappointed that Dale, Jr. has chosen to leave the family business, we remain excited about our company's future. Our aggressive expansion and diversification plans have not changed. This company has continued to thrive since Dale left us in 2001, and it will thrive following today's announcement. Dale and I built this company to be a championship-contender, and those principles still apply. Dale Earnhardt, Inc. will win, and we have other extremely talented drivers and hundreds of employees that are dedicated to the programs we founded. This company has a great legacy and a bright future, built on loyalty, integrity, and commitment."Junior's future will obviously now be the source of intense speculation for the following weeks and months. Junior was quick to shoot down several rumors : Martin Truex, Jr. is not going with him, Budweiser and No. 8 will likely be part of his future but have not been 100% secured, and current crew chief Tony Eury, Jr. will "do what he wants to do." Most importantly, the widely rumored announcement that he was starting his own team was false. What is true, claimed Junior, was that he's a free agent; and that means he's available to anyone."It doesn't cost anything to listen," said Junior. "So we're going to listen to anyone who wants to talk and go from there."Kelley also chimed in on Junior's possible future plans, further dispelling rumors Junior was ready to form his own team. Claiming the first choice was to join an already competitive program, she speculated forming a team for Junior would be a last resort.Clearly, there will be no shortage of car owners who will come calling in the next weeks and months. For Junior, he claims money is not the issue."For me, I made this decision to put myself in a better position for next year and down the road," said Junior. "I feel like this is what I need to do personally.""I only want to make a change once," he continued. "It's not about the money. It's who can give me the best opportunities for the rest of my driving career."=====================================================I keep wondering, is it wrong that I am not sad?I don't see Dale Jr leaving as a bad thing. Hopefully Teresa is able to keep DEI afloat now that the biggest name in NASCAR and the biggest sponsor is out after 2007. She has already lost NAPA, now she will lose Budweiser.Way to go Teresa!!! You have screwed up something that was near and dear to your husband.I am really worried about Dale Jr. This has to be one of the hardest days in his life. This announcement showed the world that he is his own man and can make his own decisions.I wish him nothing but happiness, fast cars, and seeing the checkered flag in 1st place. No matter what, I am a Dale Jr fan...Today, tomorrow, and until the day I die!

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise!Boy is that a true quote. Getting up early on Sunday really wasn't a big deal to me. By early I am 3:30am to be out of the house at 4:30. Most of you don't know this but my dad is one of the big security people for the Talladega races. He gets the opportunity to do some amazing things and for the first time, I was able to tag along with him. Wow is the only word that comes to mind.When we first got to the track it was dark still so no one was up. We had to check into the security gate and get his assignments for the day.His first assignment was to go to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and do a sweep of it. When I use the word sweep, I mean he will make sure that there is no bombs or chemicals in there that are dangerous for the spectators and fans. Going to the IMHOF was amazing. You saw all these classic cars that had been used on the famous Talladega track.His second assigment was to sweep the garage before the crews were to arrive. There I was with 43 of the fastest cars at Talladega. I went over straight over to Reed's car and touched it, took some pictures with it and just sat around and soaked it all up. The next place I would go would be the 8 car driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. So, yeah, I had to dance all up on that car. One of the K-9 units with us, has now officially called that dance the "Dale Jr Booty Dance". I was touching the car, making sure I got pictures of everything. I even saw the checklist for the crews. I was amazed at how much, even during an Impound, the crews are allowed to do.Breakfast was the next order of events...Nothing exciting there!The third thing on the list was the Talladega Municipal Airport. I just stood by the tarmac and watched the planes come in. I had to bite my tongue when I saw Jimmy Spencer. Dude is such an ass! I even saw Dale Jr's place...yes, I took a picture of it.The fourth thing on the agenda was a sweep of the Souvenir City. I didn't do much there...Went shopping at the Budweiser Hauler and watched Joe Nichols perform. He is amazing and cute.Back to the garage area I go. It was almost time for the Driver's Meeting and with my dad being a BIG WIG, I was able to be right there for the action. I met some of the drivers including Jimmie Johsnon, Jeff Burton, Tony Stewart(who is a prick), Dale Jr, Paul Menard, Denny Hamlin, Mike Helton, Reed Soreson, Casey Mears, and David Stremme. By the way...Juan Pablo is short! I even saw Kelly Earnhardt-Elledge and Karsyn. She is getting so big.Time for the race...I got to watch it from the spotter's stand. Before the race started, I had the opportunity to meet Steve Hmiel. He is so nice and sweet. He took the time to pose for a picture and we chatted a little bit about the car. Casey Mear's spotter, Chuck Joyce, remembered me from last year. He said that I had changed a lot and looked great. Guy made me blush. I took some pictures with him and we talked for a little bit as well. He told me to e-mail him, so I think I'll do that today when I get a chance.I'd talk about the race but we all saw it. Not my favorite Talladega race, but at least there wasn't THE BIG ONE like the Busch race the day before. I was glad to see Kyle Busch was okay after both incidents. He was ready to get out of Alabama, I'm sure.Hope you enjoyed my race report!

Monday, April 23, 2007

Quotes from Dale Earnhardt Jr. / Driver, #8 Budweiser Chevrolet: "I believe we have about half-a-lap of unfinished business there (reference to leading until being crashed from behind on the final lap in Oct. 2006). It fires me up - it fires my team up - and we want to go out there and not give anyone a chance to take us out this time. The Nextel Cup Series is so tough now, when you get that close to a win and don't close the deal, it makes a fire burn in your gut when you think about it.

"With the new pavement at Talladega, combined with the restrictor plates, anyone could drive a lap at full-speed in these cars, but that only makes it more of a mental challenge during the race. The whole pack can run three-wide and wide-open, so it makes every move you make more critical. You have to have all of your senses working full-time to get to the front and then try to stay there. When you finish a race at Talladega, you're almost never physically tired like if you had just raced at Bristol or Martinsville, but the mental strain and the concentration needed will wear you out mentally and emotionally. It's fun, but it's tough."

Minutiae: Very little about Dale Jr's Talladega Nextel Cup career qualifies as minutiae, as he holds the track record of four consecutive victories... He has five Cup wins overall and has won the spring race twice (2002, 2003)... His five victories are second only to his father in Talladega Cup wins (Dale Earnhardt had 10 wins)... in seven consecutive races between Oct. 2001 and Oct. 2004, he won five times and finished second twice... he has led 12 races in 14 starts (missing only after being crashed prior to the green flag in his first start in 2000 and being swept into a multi-car crash on lap 19 in Oct. 2005)... He led until turn three of the final lap in Oct. of last year, only to be crashed from behind to finish 23rd during the Chase for the Nextel Cup... Dale Jr. was inducted into the Talladega Walk of Fame in 2003... Dale Jr. has career winnings of more than $4 million at Talladega, aided by two "Winston Million" victories that awarded $1 million to both the team and a lucky fan...

Primary Chassis this week: #043... led 37 laps at Talladega last Oct. until being crashed while leading the final lap. Also raced in the '07 Budweiser Shootout - and crashed on the final lap. (Maybe third time is a charm?)

NASCAR Teleconference: Dale Jr. will be the featured guest on Tuesday afternoon's NASCAR national teleconference. Log-in to NASCAR's media web site for details.

--Online media and fan guide for Dale Earnhardt Jr, and the No. 8 Budweiser team available at fingerprintonline.com. (Click on the Budweiser bottle cap.) See Dale Jr's race-by-race Talladega stats here.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

David Gililand was virtually an unknown this time last year. The only way you would know him is if you knew his father, Butch, a former Cup driver. His name started circulating June of 2006 at Kentucky Speedway when he became the first non cup driver to win a Busch Series race.

2 months later, Robert and Doug Yates were looking for a driver when Elliott Sadler made the switch to Ray Everham Motorsports. They decided to go with Gililand. Only making 15 starts in 2006, he had an average finish of 28th. He also won a Bud Pole at Talladega in October. Not bad for a rookie!

Next Sunday, David's name will go down in the record books when he leads 42 other drivers to the drop of the green flag at the 49th Daytona 500. This will only be David's second start at Daytona. The first coming recently at the Budweiser Shootout where he finished 2nd to Tony Stewart. Sure, a lot of people will forget who finished 2nd, but David and the entire 38 M&Ms team will remember.

David knows that Robert and Doug Yates took a big chance on him and he is grateful everyday for it. He can't wait to start a full season at RYR and to show the world what he is made of. I believe he will win a race this season. Will it be on Sunday? Guess we will all have to watch the 500. Good Luck David. Everyone is cheering you on!!!!

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

1. The Indianapolis defense rarely coughs up the big play. With head coach Tony Dungy in charge, the Colts lean on the tender mercies of their Tampa 2 coverage scheme.This scheme discourages the deep throw by lining up a safety as far out of the picture as John Kerry.Such a tactic could prevent one of the few Bears offensive weapons — the deep pass from Grossman to a swift character named Bernard Berrian. Berrian has demonstrated the ability to get behind a defense with greater frequency than a group of desperadoes who bet the unders.2. Manning has the smarts to read a defense and audible into a play that exploits Chicago's vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities include strong safety, where the absence of injured Pro Bowler Mike Brown makes Colts tight end Dallas Clark a deadly weapon down the middle.The Bears also have to scheme around a lingering weakness on the interior line, where hamstrung Tommie Harris had been the best three-technique tackle in the league. Peyton possesses enough moxie to read "pass" and check into a run right over the spot Harris used to lock down.The absence of Harris also lessens Chicago's ability to collapse the pocket and chase Peyton into the arms of a hard-charging edge rusher.Another variable: Manning will not be required to find receivers with a gorilla on his back. What started out as a figurative monkey had upgraded to a King Kong-caliber simian that managed to simultaneously look like Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Now that he's triumphed in a big game, handling Super Bowl pressure could be much easier than starring down the Patriots in the AFC title date.3. The Colts have enough offensive balance to handle what the Bears' defense can dish out. If burner Nathan Vasher locks into Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, Manning can look at Reggie Wayne against Charles Tilllman. The aforementioned Clark is no hayride to deal with in coverage, while rookie running back Joseph Addai is a threat inside and outside. It also should be noted that center Jeff "Super Bowl" Saturday can make the end zone TD recovery with the best of 'em.4. The cold-blooded pass-rush efficiency of defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis allows the Colts to bring the heat without the vulnerability of a jailbreak blitz. This reluctance to blitz — combined with the deep drop of the Tampa 2 — may encourage Grossman to resort to his shaky intermediate game. Please note that Rex is as iffy in the pocket as your rent money.5. The Colts have wisdom on the field and on the sideline. Sure, Manning has been chucking the ball around a bit recklessly in the postseason, but don't expect the pre-game limelight to make Peyton and his teammates act cuckoo. When the game is on, they probably won't mock the Bears by pointing at pursuing defenders during a touchdown play that ends in a front flip into the end zone (nice job of getting the reeling opposition geeked up again, Reggie Bush).

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Have you ever felt that you weren't good enough and never would be in anyone's eyes? Well, that's how I have felt since I was younger. I don't know where it came from. I was one of the popular kids in private school, and I always played sports and just lived "the life". When I transfered to public school, I had to make a new batch of friends and start over. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. Recently, I decided to go back to school. I wanted to have a great job, make more money, and really prove to people that I can do anything once I put my mind too it. I worked my butt off 1st semester back. I was always studying and make sure I knew everything, just in case a professor popped out a quiz. All the studying paid off, I made the Dean's List with a 4.0 Grade Point Average. Everyone was so excited and happy for me. I proved to the naysayers that I could do anything once I put my mind too it. The new semester has started and there is no place to go but down, and I refuse to slip up. I'll keep everyone up to date on my progress and adventures of this semester. I've come along way and I am proud of myself.